Question
What are my responsibilities as a godparent? Do I need to do anything before the child is born or at the baptism or later on?
--Seeking goodness in Goliath
Answer
To be chosen as a godparent is a special honor. You, above all others, have been entrusted with a special responsibility: participating in the child's Christian life, formation and education.
This privilege offers you an opportunity to develop a mutually enriching spiritual relationship...one that hopefully will last through your life time.
There are special things that I'm sure the parish will tell you about in some classes or the day of the baptism [and its rehearsal]. Each parish does unique things for the ritual, such as dressing the child, holding a candle, being responsible in getting the certificate to the parents, etc. Other things that you can do are:
Celebrate the anniversary of this holy day of holy baptism each year with a visit, call, email, or card or all of the above! Also, remember the actual birthday each year. Other visits from the godparent through the year can be special (like going to an amusement park, a special mass or holy day event, etc.).
As your godchild grows, it can be very helpful for you to share in the struggles and triumphs of living the Christian life by keeping yourself informed and updated on the Catholic faith, its doctrine, values, and the bishops teaching, you can be a resource person for the godchild.
Encourage a consistent life of faith through special letters, gifts or holy events, like Christmas, Easter, anniversaries, and also by remembering their graduation, confirmation, first communion, first penance, first job, car, engagement and other events. Sharing a Christian gift [such as a bible, rosary or other religious articles, writing a letter for a retreat, or helping them pay to go on a retreat] are very meaningful and demonstrate your importance in their developing faith.
Being supportive to the godchild's parents is especially important. They are the primary religious educators of their child. Your support of this means a lot!
Encouraging and being supportive of the godchild's religious education is also important by being a model of Christian daily prayer, active participation in the parish, by attending liturgy, etc.
You are a partner in your godchild's life! The church requires you to be a faithful witness and model of the Christian faith and fully initiated in the sacraments yourself.
[This is adapted from Barton-Cotton, inc. in their card "role of godparents." for more information they are in Baltimore, MD 21227]